Yoga News 110 - 03/2018

Asana: Poses for self-confidence and relaxed assurance
With the poses from Barbra Noh’s sequence, you’ll be able to radiate confidence on the outside and truly feel it on the inside—even with playful ease!

Asana: Yin Yoga for Support and Security
Wall exercises with Helga Baumgartner: In this practice, you create a safe inner space where you can retreat and feel well-protected on difficult days.

The four basic directions of movement in asanas
Grounding, Upright Posture, Bending, and Twisting: Consciously focusing more on the directions of movement in yoga can add precision and depth to your personal practice. By Jörg Weißker.

Back to your center: relaxing and strengthening the hara
In Far Eastern philosophy, the hara is regarded as our center of power. Find out what this is all about here—along with practical tips for strengthening the hara. By Tobias Frank.

Prayer – reimagined, practiced & reflected upon
A guide to vibrant, heartfelt prayer: prayer as a companion, protector, friend, and wise compass on the path to self-realization. By Bhajan Noam.

On Choosing the Right Spiritual Teaching
Trusting one’s own inner wisdom rather than following others in blind obedience—this is what the Buddha advised in the Kalama Sutta, which Florian Palzinsky highlights in this article.

The sweet nectar of silence
40 Days of Silence in the Himalayas: A first-hand account of a transformative retreat in a secluded hut on the Ganges. By Srila.

The Mahabhutas
Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space: Knowledge of the elements leads us to a deeper understanding of nature and to a suitable spiritual practice. By Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati.

Matthieu Ricard: Kindness and altruism
An altruistic mindset is in our nature and can also be cultivated, says author, scientist, and Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard. By Nina Haisken.

Moving—what letting go really means
How we deal with the concept of letting go and what that has to do with accepting life in its full spectrum: Where do we encounter resistance, and how can we dissolve it? By Dirk Hessel.

The Political Dimension of Yoga
Can yoga also contribute to peace, conflict resolution, and understanding in a broader social and political context? By Maike Czieschowitz.

Ayurveda Beyond Dogma
London-based bestselling author Jasmine Hemsley presents three recipes from her new book East by West .

The Healing Secret of Kalari Chikitsa
Kerala is not only the home of Ayurveda, but also of the martial art Kalaripayattu. From it emerged a healing art that focuses on the vital points of the human body. By Jana Tschitschke.

The Musculoskeletal System: Osteoporosis & Back Pain
Musculoskeletal complaints are a widespread ailment and, for many, a reason to try yoga. Doctors and physical therapists are also referring more and more patients to yoga classes. What’s behind this trend? By Cordula Interthal.

The Marigold
It can heal wounds, has detoxifying properties, and was already valued by Maria Treben, Hildegard von Bingen, and Sebastian Kneipp: Calendula, the marigold, supports people with its gentle powers. By Irene Dalichow.

Patanjali’s Secret of Pranayama
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait on Pranayama in the Yoga Sutras: Swami Rama’s spiritual successor spoke with YOGA AKTUELL about the two branches of breathing techniques distinguished by Patanjali. Interview: Michael Nickel.

If you meet Buddha, kill him!
Travel journalist Andreas Altmann has written a book about this famous piece of advice, which Buddha himself gave to his disciples. Altmann explains what he means by this in an interview with YOGA-AKTUELL. Interview: Doris Iding.

Experience stillness amid the hustle and bustle
The French Zen nun Kankyo Tannier is a living example of how spirituality can be lived in everyday life. In this interview with Doris Iding, she explains how this is possible for everyone.

Follow the path of your heart’s voice
Hamburg-based yoga teacher Claudia Uhrig, founder of YOGI DAYS, talks about trusting your inner voice in an interview with YOGA-AKTUELL. Interview: Stephanie Schönberger.

Yoga Makes Love
How a practice that was initially unfamiliar gave rise to the ability to consciously open one’s heart and live in the tension between love and freedom—Iris Disse on her journey with Kaula Tantra Yoga.

The Upanishads... and the Koshas
The insightful concept of the five sheaths is the focus of the new installments of Dr. Ralph Skuban’s Upanishads column.

The Secret Language of the Forest
Trees communicate with each other in amazing ways. You can find insights into their “language” and some tips on how to connect with them here. By Doris Iding.

Yoga in Tel Aviv
In the cosmopolitan heart of Israel, enthusiasm for yoga is high. A look at the range of offerings that invite you to hit the mat, from beach culture to the nightlife of this Mediterranean metropolis. By Lotti Keefer.

Sustainability projects
This time: Planting trees for a better world: the Plant-for-the-Planet initiative for children and youth . By Doris Iding.

Dates, trends, and news
News from the world of yoga. By Nina Haisken.